La Grande, Oregon
William Edward Talbott, 90, of La Grande died Dec. 2 at a local care center. A funeral service is planned for 1 p.m. Friday at Daniels Chapel of the Valley. Burial will follow at the Hillcrest East Cemetery. Viewing will be conducted from 4 to 6 p.m Thursday at Daniels Chapel of the Valley.
Mr. Talbott was born Dec. 17, 1915, to Clarence and Hattie Short Talbott in Dodge City, Kan. At an early age his family traveled by touring car to La Grande, where they settled and he attended school.
On Sept. 1, 1935, he married Mary Svetich. He worked for the Oregon Highway Department and in the Portland shipyards for a time before moving back to La Grande. He worked as an electrician for Eastern Oregon University for 18 years until his retirement in July 1977. He was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, The Knights of Columbus and the electricians union.
Mr. Talbott was a great historian and shared many stories with children in area schools. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and woodworking, and he loved the mountains.
Survivors include his wife, Mary of La Grande; siblings, Grace Carpenter of Lewiston, Idaho, and Manson Talbott of Battle Ground, Wash.; and numerous nieces and nephews and other relatives. Dying earlier were a daughter, Virginia Talbott; and siblings, Hershel Talbott, Ernie Talbott, Pauline Yohn and June Christensen.
Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of choice in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 Seventh St., La Grande 97850.
The Observer-Obituaries for the week ending Dec. 9, 2006, Published: December 9, 2006